KATHLEEN SZMIT PHOTOSIT’S NOT DELIVERY – It’s Team Sausage Pizza! Carefully preparing for play in the annual BHS dodgeball tourney are Nick Mitewski, Ben Anthony, Jung Chen, Devin MacDonald, Jordan Bonina and Robbie Jensen. While the Pizza was eaten, the team deserves kudos for creative costuming.

Dodgeball. It’s a word that used to strike fear in the hearts of many students.

In days past it was every geek’s nightmare and every gym class jock’s delight. Now, for the students at Barnstable High School, dodgeball is just fun for everyone. Well, except maybe those who dare turn their heads while a game is in play.

On March 11 fans packed in the school’s Field House to watch their favorite teams in action. Both students and staff took to the courts in brave attempts to battle each other for the ultimate prize: the title of Dodgeball Champ 2008.

Teams ranged from the quirky and humorous to those paying homage to favorite pro athletes, and a bit of everything in between.

There was Team Big Sausage Pizza, featuring a gaggle of eclectically dressed men, including one with an enormous ’fro and another wearing bunny ears and a cape.

The Bedheads came comfortably outfitted in pajamas, while Kara and the Pussycats took to the court in custom-made and very clever dodgeball t-shirts.

The BHS teacher team, The Fat Boys made their annual appearance, though seemingly in need of a name change since none of them really lived up to their moniker. Maybe they meant “Phat?”

While the teams may have elicited laughs, the games proved exciting, often ending in dramatic showdowns with some stellar moments.

Erika Hansen, a vixen on the Seniah Snipahz, ended up the lone lady on the court against a team of football players, but still got in a sweet double out thanks to some masterful throwing of the balls.

The Bedheads won a thrilling match against a wildly dressed all-girls team on which BHS basketball player Alex Rurycz, resplendent in bright red ski cap and bold lime green tights, was left to hold her own against the pajama-clad crew. While their fuzzy flannels may have seen them through then, they were ultimately ousted, as were numerous other teams throughout the afternoon.

As the red rubber balls screeched mercilessly toward not-always nimble opponents, hit players crept off to the sidelines while their teams were eliminated one by one until only two remained: The Missile Earls and the BoinkStars.

The air in “The Big Gym” crackled with electricity, and it wasn’t just static cling, as the teams faced off for the best two out of three. Balls soared, feet shuffled, and targets were hit as fans roared. Only one team could earn the coveted title and in the end, when all the balls had been thrown, The Missile Earls – Jordan Looby, Jon Gomes, Mike Brown, Mike Pernick, Luke Pernick, and Garrett Mills – were crowned champs.

Moments later the crowds had dispersed, leaving little evidence that a high-stakes tourney had just happened there. Outside, however, teams could be heard vowing returns next year. Will the 2009 winner be wearing pajamas?